Matthew Perry drug addiction: Did FRIENDS actor die of drug abuse?

Matthew Perry, famous for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic TV series “Friends,” has sadly passed away at the age of 54.

On Saturday, October 28, the actor was discovered at his Los Angeles residence, where it appears he tragically drowned. Emergency personnel swiftly responded to a call around 4 p.m. Perry was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi on the property.

Did Matthew Perry die of drug abuse?

There were no signs of drug involvement or foul play at the scene, as affirmed by TMZ. This suggests that the actor’s passing was not the result of any illicit substances or suspicious circumstances.

Matthew Perry’s struggle with drug addiction began with opioids, a path that mirrors the experiences of millions of Americans. In 1997, following an accident, he was prescribed painkillers and, unfortunately, became ensnared by addiction. At one point, he revealed that his addiction had escalated to a harrowing extent, with him consuming up to 55 pills a day even while he was actively involved in filming his iconic show, “Friends.” Perry candidly admitted that he was caught in a cycle he didn’t know how to break.

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The actor initiated his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” by recounting a life-altering event shortly before his 50th birthday. He detailed how he was rushed to the hospital with a perforated stomach, facing minimal chances of survival, and was placed on an ECMO machine, a last-resort measure. Astonishingly, out of the five individuals connected to the ECMO machine that night, he was the sole survivor.

Regrettably, this event was not the sole instance in Matthew Perry’s long and challenging journey with drug addiction. Over the years, he engaged in a relentless battle against the debilitating disease, undergoing numerous rehab stints – a total of 15 times – and enduring no less than 14 surgeries in an attempt to mitigate the damage inflicted upon his stomach lining due to alcohol and opioid abuse.

In an interview with People, Matthew Perry also disclosed how his fellow “Friends” cast members extended their support throughout the years. He characterized them as “understanding” and “patient.” Perry, candid about his relapses, acknowledged that some of his best work was accomplished during periods of sobriety. Notably, Season 9 marked the year in which he remained sober throughout, earning him a nomination for best actor, which served as an eye-opening realization.

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Despite the immense challenges he confronted, the actor chose to share his tumultuous journey with the public, in the hope that it might offer solace and support to individuals grappling with similar battles. He openly stated that if he were to pass away, it might shock people, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise. Living with such a reality is an intensely daunting experience. Perry’s ultimate aspiration was that people would connect with his story and understand that addiction does not discriminate; it affects everyone, regardless of their success or status.